Sopwith Triplane

London, Hangar Two Aircraft & Exhibits

The Triplane was a highly manoeuvrable single-seat scout with phenomenal rates of climb and roll. The arrival of the Triplane on the Western Front in early 1917 made such an impression on the Germans that they asked their manufacturers to produce triplane fighters, leading to the Fokker Dr1 of 'Red Baron' fame.

This is one of only two known survivors (the other is in Russia). It was rescued from the RAF Cardington dump in 1936 and flown in the 1936–1937 Hendon pageants. It was almost lost again in 1945, but was rescued and restored.

Details

Object number	74/A/19
Maker name	Oakley Company
Production date	1916
Date in use	1917-1937
Associated with	Oakley Company 2 (Auxiliary) School of Aerial Gunnery (RFC) 2 School of Aerial Fighting (RFC) Imperial War Museum London Viscount Rothermere of Hemsted 5 Maintenance Unit (RAF) 39 Maintenance Unit (RAF) 15 Maintenance Unit (RAF) Hawker Siddeley Aviation Limited Fleet Air Arm Museum Science Museum Air Historical Branch (MOD) 76 Maintenance Unit (RAF)
Associated places	RAF Cardington Hendon RAF Kemble RAF Colerne Farnborough RAF Hendon RAF Stanmore Park RAF Wroughton RAF Fulbeck Dunsfold RAF Biggin Hill FAA Yeovilton (HMS Heron) RAF Henlow
Key events	RAF Air Display, Hendon, 1936 Royal Tournament

Triplane with grey body and wings and wooden struts, © RAF Museum / RAF Museum

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Sopwith Triplane

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